“Take heart, for I (Jesus) have overcome world.” (John 16:33).
“Don’t lose heart… for your inner life is being renewed day by day. (2Cor.4:16)
“Don’t harden your heart… like Israel did in the wilderness” (Heb.2:8)
“Give me an undivided heart, that I may revere and adore your name.” (Ps.86:11)
Heavenly Father, I woke up today thinking about my heart—since the direction of our whole of life flows from our hearts (Prov.4:23). At times, my heart feels more prone to wander than prone to stay centered on you—trusting and adoring you. So I start this day and prayer with profound gratitude—resting in your grace and promises 1000% more than my determination to do more, try harder. Thank you that these two heart-promises claim us more than we claim them:
“I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart” (Ezek.11:19). You began this great, grace work inside us when you redeemed and adopted us, but we look forward to the Day when all stubbornness will be gone from our hearts and only tenderness will remain.
“I will heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.” (Ps.147:3). Thank you, Abba. I get tired of being me—especially when I take my heart wounds and weaponize the pain or try to distance myself from the possibility of more heart-hurt. You’ve brought much healing already, but I crave more.
It’s only because of you we don’t totally lose heart, Abba. Heavy hearts, crushed hearts, fearful hearts, divided hearts, angry hearts—you welcome one and all alike. Thank you, and So Very Amen.